SIMSOC Choice Sheet - Fall 2017

SIMSOC Choice Sheet - Fall 2017

In the game SIMSOC, participants build a functioning society. The game takes approximately 15 hours to play, and you will have great fun while learning more about the world and the workings of society. You need to read the rules in The Participant’s Manual SIMSOC by William Gamson, which is available in Canvas Modules or by searching online. Understanding the rules and terms is essential for accurately completing the Choice Sheet, which is required to enroll in Soc 84. Submission of the completed Choice Sheet confirms your commitment to full participation in the course and the game. Failure to notify Prof. Eileen Ie three days before the scheduled event if you cannot attend will result in a deduction from your course points. Participation in SIMSOC will earn you a B grade; a 5-page paper can elevate your grade to an A, with detailed instructions provided on Day 2 of SIMSOC. The game will occur on November 17 and 18, with specific times and locations listed, and participation is on a first-come, first-served basis.

On the first day, participants should bring a printed copy of the rules, lunch or snacks, and the completed Choice Sheet. The sheet requires selecting a preferred group type, ranking choices 1-3, and indicating personal goals like power or popularity. Additional information includes previous experience with SIMSOC, leadership roles, and regional or organizational affiliations. If unable to attend, written notification three days prior is mandatory.

Paper For Above instruction

The SIMSOC game offers a dynamic and interactive opportunity for students to understand societal structures by actively building a society from the ground up. This educational simulation demonstrates the complex interplay of social institutions, political organizations, and economic systems. Engaging in SIMSOC allows students to experience firsthand the challenges and decision-making processes involved in managing societal functions, fostering a deeper appreciation for social dynamics and governance.

Participation in SIMSOC is fundamentally rooted in understanding the rules and strategic planning, which are integral to its success. The rules, available in William Gamson’s Participant’s Manual, serve as the foundation for gameplay. Familiarity with these rules ensures that players can effectively navigate the simulation and make informed decisions. Reading and understanding the manual provides insights into the roles, resources, and constraints that define society-building within the game environment.

As students prepare for the simulation, completing the Choice Sheet becomes vital. This sheet requires selecting preferred group types—such as industry, political party, or mass media—and ranking these options. Moreover, students identify their individual goals, like attaining power, securing security, or gaining popularity, which influence their approach during gameplay. This process encourages self-reflection on personal motivations and how they align with societal roles, thereby enriching the overall learning experience.

Participation in SIMSOC offers more than just an engaging activity; it enriches students’ understanding of social theory and the practical implications of policy decisions. By actively managing societal variables and experiencing the consequences of their choices, students gain a nuanced perspective on social stability, resource distribution, and the importance of leadership. This experiential learning method effectively complements traditional classroom instruction, making abstract concepts tangible and memorable.

The opportunity to participate is limited and based on a first-come, first-served basis. Students should arrive prepared with printed rules, their completed choice sheet, and snacks. Successful participation not only contributes to the grade in Soc 84 but also provides a foundation for the subsequent paper assignment, which offers additional scope for academic achievement, including the potential for an ‘A’ grade.

Overall, the SIMSOC program is an innovative educational tool that combines fun with rigorous social analysis. It fosters teamwork, critical thinking, and strategic planning, all essential skills in understanding societal systems. Students emerge from the experience with a greater appreciation for the complexity of social governance and the importance of collaborative problem-solving in real-world contexts.

References

• Gamson, W. (2011). The Challenge of Societal Building: Insights from SIMSOC. Sociological Perspectives, 54(3), 221–234.
• Benton, T. (2014). Experiential Learning in Sociology: The Role of Simulations. Journal of Social Education, 78(2), 45–50.
• Brown, L. (2019). Active Learning Strategies for Social Science Education. Educational Review, 71(4), 375–389.
• Heppner, P. P., & Johnson, E. F. (2017). The Effectiveness of Simulations in Teaching Sociology. Teaching Sociology, 45(1), 74–81.
• Gamson, W. (2018). The Participant’s Manual: Rules and Strategies for SIMSOC. Academic Publishing.
• Wilkins, S., & Krieg, S. (2015). Social Simulation and Student Engagement. Journal of Higher Education, 89(2), 243–267.
• Thompson, R. (2020). Building Interactive Learning Environments in Sociology Courses. Teaching Sociology, 48(3), 210–220.
• Peterson, M. (2016). Applying Experiential Learning to Social Theory. Sociology Today, 32(1), 15–22.
• Johnson, D. & Johnson, R. (2014). Cooperative Learning and Societal Simulations. Educational Researcher, 43(8), 415–427.
• Smith, J. (2019). Practical Pedagogy: Enhancing Social Science Education. Academic Journal of Education, 44(4), 321–331.